Album Review – Ward Davis – “Here I Am”
Never let the Outlaw visage obfuscate your view that these are the songwriters who often most fearlessly plumb their way into the innermost depths of human emotion.
Review
Album Review – Muchacho Sanchez – “When I Get This Way”
If you wish that country music had been frozen in a stasis during its greatness of the Golden Era of the ’50s, you’ll immediately warm up to what Muchacho Sanchez has cooked up with his debut album.
Album Review – Doug Armento and the Iron Mules – “River of No Return”
Like so many true country fans, keeping the memory of all the old Outlaw country greats alive is serious business for Doug Armento. It’s about paying their legacy forward in original songs the take inspiration from their music.
Album Review – The Kruse Brothers – “Heartbreak & Honky-Tonk”
Brothers Chandler and Miles just released their debut album ‘Heartbreak & Honky-Tonk’ that puffs its chest out and demands more than a passing sniff from distinguishing country fans with traditional tastes.
Album Review – Emily Scott Robinson’s “Appalachia”
What kind of towering power is music capable of? To bask in the audience of Emily Scott Robinson’s voice and songs, you feel like anything is possible through the marriage of words and melody.
Album Review – Kashus Culpepper’s “Act 1”
They call him Kashus, and he’s the latest to tap into the inviting and lucrative sound that infuses influences of vintage soul and country together, making something that’s distinctly Southern and soulful.
Album Review – Low Gap’s “Geneva”
‘Geneva” feels like their official arrival, a pronouncement of their attempt to put songs first without sacrificing appeal, and to be one of the preeminent new bands boldly striking out of Appalachia to earn listeners around the globe.
Album Review – Zach Bryan’s “With Heaven On Top”
Irrespective of what anyone thinks about the music at this point, it’s undeniable that Zach Bryan is one of the biggest phenomenons in music in the last quarter century.
Album Review – Wednesday’s “Bleeds”
Congratulations to Wednesday and all their success. It’s cool they hold a love for country music in their hearts, and are willing to express it. But let’s keep the assessment open and honest: Bleeds is an alt rock album.
Album Review – Josh Weathers – “Neon Never Fades”
Well here we go. We’re barely over our New Years hangovers, and Josh Weathers comes right out of the chute slobber knocking us across the face with a full-tilt honky tonk experience. The new year will be COUNTRY.
Album Review – Wynn Williams – “Country Therapy”
If you’re a fan of the sensible but traditional country songs of guys like Cody Johnson and Randall King, Wynn Williams released the album in 2025 that should’ve been on your radar, by maybe wasn’t.
Album Review – Lukas Nelson’s “American Romance (too)”
There’s one way to remove yourself from the overbearing shadow of a maternal or paternal legacy in music, and quell the criticisms of privilege. You can just be so damn good, you blow past all that banter.
Album Review – Brad Paisley’s “Snow Globe Town”
It turns out that Brad Paisley has just the right amount of Christmas cheer, classic country nostalgia, sheer talent, and elfish mischief and humor to compose a country Christmas record that’s well above serviceable.
Album Review – Dee White’s “Heart Talkin'”
As the world feels like it’s unraveling and spinning out of control, a attentive spin through Heart Talkin’ helps slow everything down, and remind you to savor the important moments in life, however fleeting.
Album Review – Shinglers – “Hit The Head!”
Not since the height of Austin music in the ’70s have we heard songs so indicative of the original spirit of the Austin scene. That’s what the Shinglers throw down on their new album “Hit The Head!”
Album Review – Sister Sadie’s “All Will Be Well”
Tracing the shared legacies of traditional country and bluegrass until they intertwine and sing together in a sweet harmony, Sister Sadie’s ‘All Will Be Well’ is a 2025 album not to be overlooked or trifled with.
Album Review – William Beckmann’s “Whiskey Lies & Alibis”
As classic and cool as a pair of Wayfarers, William Beckmann’s music evokes the body curves of the fender on a vintage Cadillac, and the sheen on the burl of a Wurlitzer juke box.
Album Review – The Soda Crackers (Self-Titled)
Since 2021, this group of of young musicians native to Bakersfield have been doing what they can to keep the authentic sounds, songs, and stories of The Bakersfield Sound alive.
Album Review – Treaty Oak Revival’s “West Texas Degenerate”
In the new wave of regressive music being peddled as “country” because no other genre would dare put their stamp of approval on it, Treaty Oak Revival takes top billing, even above Gavin Adcock.
Album Review – Melissa Carper’s “A Very Carper Christmas”
What a genius idea to have Melissa Carper make a Christmas album, and not just one the reprises the old great standards, but with mostly original songs, in that vintage sound and style she’s known for.
Album Review – Lance Roark’s “Bad Reputation”
Lance Roark was patient in officially presenting his debut album to the planet, forging his own sound, finding the unique contours of his voice, and making his case for being Red Dirt’s next star.
Album Review – Jake Owen’s “Dreams To Dream”
Produced by Shooter Jennings at his Snake Mountain Studio, it’s like nothing you ever heard from Jake Owen or really any current or former mainstream country music before.
Album Review – Colter Wall’s “Memories and Empties”
Colter Wall doesn’t just play the music, he champions it. He embraces it. He sells its virtues to the audience. That’s what Colter does for traditional country songs on “Memories and Empties.”
Album Review – Colby Acuff’s “Enjoy The Ride”
There are no big questions asked in ‘Enjoy The Ride.’ But in some ways, the biggest questions of all are answered through it. Life is life. You’re dealt a set of cards, and you do the best you can with them.